Automobile antiglare lighting system



Jan. 22, 1935. E, @ERMNN 1,988,894

AUTOIOBILE ANTIGLARE LIGHTING SYSTEM Filed Jan. 5, 1955 3 Sheets-Sheet 160 616 44 62 41,) 4 '31 .L. at Jog L b T (a I 26 Q 5 I; a I; i l:

mvs R W'TNESS .E'rmlarm n ATTORNEYS Jan. 22, 1935. E. GERMAIN 1,988,894

AUTOMOBILE ANTIGLARE LIGHTING SYSTEM". I Filed Jan. 5, 1955 I sSheets-Sheet 2 Hill In Mill WITNESS I E M rues ermw,

BY ,1 7mm MM i- ATTORNEYS E, GERMAIN AUTOMOBILE ANTIGLARfiI LIGHTINGSYSTEM Filed Jan. 5', 1935 -3 Sheets-Sheet-fl V INVENTOR Ernest Germain1.9 Hum-1 13M aim I II WITNESS ATTORNEYS Patented Jan. 22, 1935 v UNITEDSTATES PATENT OFFICE AUTOMOBILE ANTIGLABE LIGHTING SYSTEM ErnestGermain, Montreal, Quebec, Canada Application January 5, 1933, SerialNo. 850,343

' Claims. (Cl. 240-.7,.1)

This invention-relatesto. an automobile antiis not confined to thedisclosure, being susceptiglare lighting system or the type describedand ble of such changes and modifications which claimed in my Patent No.1,818,126, dated Aushall define no material departure from the saligust11, 1931. I ent features of the invention as expressed in the ll" Anobject of the invention is the provision-of appended claims. 5

i a lamp carried by the underframe of an auton the d awings:

mobile which is adapted to project an inverted F gure 1 is a front viewin elevation of an autolight abreast of the wheels by means of a low mil sh wi gmylmp v d p pp thereto, angle reflector in connection withmagnified fila- Figure 2 is a Vertical Section taken 910118 thelli'ments of incandescent lamps. line 22 of Figure 1, Another object ofthe invention is the provi- Figure 3 is a transverse vertical sectiontaken sion of a lamp carried by the underframe of an along the ne 33 ofFigure 2. automobile having a pilot lamp for directly progu e 4 s avertical Section oi. a switch emjecting a beam of light into the path ofthe car b died in the Steering columnand below the usual headlights, thepilot lamp Figure 5 s a p an v w of th ri lumn 15 being conjointlyoperated with a flood light il- Showing the Switch applied thereto.luminating the base of the wheel and controlled Figure 6 is an en a gedvert cal Section of the by .a switch which controls the pilot a d diswitch taken at right angles to the section shown filaments of the pilotlight in connection with in the bright and dim filaments of theheadlights. Figure '7 is a plan view 0 a Contact r yi 20 A furtherobject of the invention is the provi- 8, sion of a lamp carried belowthe-usual headlights Figure 3 Shows more less diagrammatically forcounteracting the luminous and frosty effect the electric circuitembodied in the lighting y of modern lenses in headlight mirrors therebytem,

guiding the view of approaching motorists to Figure 9 s an enlargedfragmentary f on w 25 the less intensified and illuminated aspect of thein elevation means upp the light wheels which are brought into reliefthrough the On a frame 01 a automobile. inv rted projected rays of thelamp, Figure 10 is a vertical section taken on the A still furtherobject of the invention is the line 1010 01 Figure 8 provision of anauxiliary lighting system in con- Figure 11 1S Side View Of the upp 80nection with the usual headlights but located brackets for the lampshown in a different p below said headlights for projecting a low dis-Sitioh from t d closed in Figures 9 and 10, tant beam of light, broadlyilluminating the path Figure 12 shows a u v r al p vot pin or the of thecar, thereby aiding in avoiding-hazards bracket,

85 of the road, the rays being projected close to Figure 13 isa-holizental t o taken a ong 85 and in parallel relation with thesurface of the he l ne 13-13 01 Figure 9, a roadbed so that the beamwill penetrate the fog Figure 14 is a enlarged Ve tical Section Of theto provide instant trafilc relief at dark intersecmagnifying glasslocated between a P of lamps tions or on the streets or roads where alarge in the p housing-r c number of cars are closely following eachother. Referring more particularly t the drawings- 40 A still furtherobject of the invention is the 10 designates an automobile having theusual provision of a lighting system for an automobile headlights 11 and12. Theheadlight 11 is proincluding an auxiliary lamp located below thevided with a lamp 13 having a filament 14 to prousual headlights forilluminating the wheels and vide the illumination of lower intensity anda roadbed adjacent the wheels and including a filament 15 of higherintensity of the light. The

controlling switch for simultaneously bringing lamp 12 has a filament 14of low intensity and a into play respectively the dim and brightfilafilament 15 of high intensity.

ments of the headlights and the auxiliary light- The headlights 11 and12 also are each provideding system, the switch being located in aconwith a lamp 16 for parking purposes.

venient place on the steering wheel. r Tail lights are indicated at 17inFig. 8. It will 50 This invention will be best understood from be notedthatthe filaments of all oil these lamps a consideration of thefollowing detailed deare grounded in the usual, manner. scription, inview of the accompanying draw- A battery 19 is grounded at 20 and has awire 21 ings forming a part of the specification; neverleading to thecurved metal bar 22 located within tlleless, it is to be understood thatthe invention a cup 23 carried by the steering wheel'24. 66

Referring more particularly to Figures 1 to 3, inclusive, it will beseen that a metal housing is divided into a rear compartment 26 and afront compartment 27. This housing is elongated and has its endsreduced, as shown at 28.

The reduced ends of the housing are provided with sockets 29 to receivea rubber sleeve 30, a spring 31 and a ball 32. The spring 31 engages theclosed end 33 of the socket and also the ball 32 tending to move theball outwardly of the socket. The sleeve forms a cushion and embracesthe ball 32.

The front chamber 27 is closed by a glass cover 35 which is flutedvertically; The cover of the rear chamber 26 is concave-convex which incombination with the fiutings of the glass cover and of the reflectorprovides a powerful yet economical flood light.

A lamp 36 is located at the rear of the chamber 27 and is embraced by areflector 37. The lamp 36 is provided with a dim filament 38, shown inFigure 8, and a filament 39 for producing a bright light.

The chamber 26 is provided with a reflector generally designated by thenumeral 40. The horizontal portion 41 is fluted, as shown at 42. Aportion 43 extends downwardly at an angle and terminates adjacent thelower end of a curved cover 44 which is vertically fluted, as shown at45 in Figure 2.

The glass 35 is also vertically fluted, as shown at 46 in Figure 2. Theglass 35 is held in place by a cover plate 47 which is provided with anelongated slot 48 through which is inserted an elongated head 49 of apin 50. A head 51 maintains a spring 52 in compressed relation betweenthe head 51 and the inner face of the housing 25 so that when the head49 is turned at right angles to the slot 48, the pin will retain thecover plate 47 in place.

A ring of metal 55 embraces the glass plate 44 adjacent its peripheryand maintains'the glass in position. This glass is held in place bymeans of a pin which is provided with an elongated head 49, a spring 52and a head 51. This construction is identical with the construction ofthe pin 50. This means of connecting the plate 47 and the ring onto thehousing 25 provides for cushioning the securing means for the plate andring.

A pair of sockets are formed in the top portion 41 of the reflector 40and are adapted to support light bulbs 61 and 62. D

Between these light bulbs is mounted a concavo-concave lens 63. Themagnifying power of this lens causes the rays of each bulb to beconsiderably enlarged towards each other with such controlling effectthat they are broadly and brightly reflected abreast of the vehicle fromthe low angle surfaces of the reflector ends. This construction alsoprovides for the maintenance of proper illumination when one of thelamps fails.

Arms 64 are secured to the top portion 41 of the reflector 40, dependdownwardly and are provided with spring-pressed lugs 65 having pointedends engaging similarly formed pockets in the opposite ends of the lens63 as shown in Figure 14. A screw 66 engages the upper edge of the lens63 and maintains said lens in a vertical position.

Referring more particularly to Figures 4 to 8, inclusive, it will beseen that the lamps 61 and 62 are grounded and are connected to a wire70 which extends to a contact member 71 located in lamps 17 and 18.

A contact 76, connected by a metal strip 77 with a clip 78, is connectedby a wire 79 to the-' dim filament 38 of the lamp 36. A wire 80 connectsthe filament 39 which gives the illumination of high intensity with acontact 81 and this contact is connected by means of a metal strip 82with a clip 83.

A contact 84 is connected by a wire 85 with a wire 86 which leads to theparking lamps 16 of the head lamps 11 and 12.

A contact 87 is connected by a wire 88 with the dim filament 14 of thelamp 11 while a wire 89 connects the dim filament 14 of the lamp 12 withthe wire 88 so that the dim filaments of the headlights are illuminatedsimultaneously.

A contact 90 is connected by a conductor 91 with the contact 71.

A contact 92 is connected by a wire 93 with the filament 15 of theheadlight 11. A wire 94 connects the filament 15 with the wire 93 sothat the filaments which give the highi'ntensity are simultaneouslyilluminated.

A plurality of perforations 95, 96, 97, 98, 99 and 100 are formed in aninsulating ring 101 for a purpose which will be presently explained.This insulating ring is provided with lugs 102 seated within pocketsformed in the bottom of the housing 23 for maintaining the ring againstrotation. It will also be noted that the arcuately-shaped contacts 22and 74 are imbedded in the insulating material of the ring 101 and thecontacts 71, 76, 81, 84, 87, 90 and 92 are likewise imbedded in the ring101. It will also be noted that each of these contacts just mentioned isconnected by strips of metal to the various clips located centrally ofthe housing 23 and clamped between a pair of insulating discs 103 bymeans of a fastener 104. This fastener also retains a metal disc contactmember 105 in position and this disc is connected by a wire to the usualhorn or other signalling device of the vehicle. 4

A push button 106 is mounted in a pocket 107 and is maintained in anoutward position by means of a spring 108. A plunger 109 is connected tothe button 106 and a contact member 110 is connected to the plunger 109so that as the button is moved in the contact 110 will engage thecontact plate 105 for closing the circuit to the signal.

A dial or knob 111 is mounted in the upper end of the top and is held inplace by means of a ring 112 seated within co-operating grooves withinthe dial 111 and the side wall of the cup or housing 23 so that the dialmay be revolved while being maintained in a definite position within thehousing 23.

A ring 113 is mounted in an annular chamber 114 and is provided withopenings 115 adapted to receive pins 116 at diametrically oppositepoints carried by an insulating ring 117 secured within the innerportion of the dial 111. Thus it will be seen that if the dial 111 isrevolved the ring 113 will likewise be revolved. A spring member 120 islocated between the inner face of the dial 111 and the outer face of thering 113 for maintaining the ring in fiat contact with the bottom of therecess of chamber 114.

The ring 113 is formed of phospho-bronze and is provided with a pair ofcontacts 121 and 122 which are adapted to engage respectively thearcuately-shaped contact members 22 and 74 carried by the ring 101 whichis mounted upon a ring 123 at the bottom of the housing 23. A pair ofpins 125 are adapted to engage certain of the pockets to while pins 126diametrically disposed from the pins are adapted to engage certain ofthe pockets which are diametrically disposed to the pockets engaged bythe pins 125 for maintaining the ring against rotation after the dial111 has been revolved. The pins 125 and 126 are adapted to engage thosecontacts of the group designated by the numerals 71, 76, 81, 84,90 and92 which are in the line of travel of said pins.

The housing 25 is supported by the underframe at the front part of thevehicle and below the'headlights 11 and 12. A bracket arm 130 is securedto the front end'of each channel beam,131 of the chassis and extendsforwardly and is provided with a pair of cylindrically-shaped ears 132and these ears are provided .witha plurality of perforations 133 adaptedto be alined with a plurality of similarly formed passages 134 formed ina member 135 having outwardly projecting pins 136.

A pair of clamps, generally designated by the numeral 137, are supportedby a rod 138 and the opposite ends 139 of the clamps receive the pins136. The portions 140 of the clamps 137 embrace the rod 138 and theseclamps are drawn up tight by means of the bolts 141.

It will be noted.from Figs. 9, 1,0 and 11 that the clamps 137 may beextended in any radial direction from the rod 138.

At the lower end of the rod is provided an enlargegnent and this rod isprovided with a slot 151 adapted to receive a pin 152 projecting from aclamping ring 153 which is secured in place upon the end of the housing25 by means of a bolt 154. Each ball 32 is connected to an adjacentlymounted rod 138.

The operation of my device is as follows: The construction shown inFigs. 9 to 13, inclusive, provides a ready means for attaching thehousing 25 to the underface of the automobileand also for connecting thehousing without necessitating the changing of the size of the parts forthe purpose since the clamp 137 may be swung in any position on the rods138.

The discs 132 are connected to the enlargement or head 135 by means ofthe pin and the angular position of the rod 138 may be varied byinserting a pin into various combinations of the alined perforations 133and 134.

When the dial 111 is rotated and the pins 125 are located in the pockets95 and the pins 126 are located in the pockets 98, the lighting systemwill be in neutral position. When the dial 111 is moved in the directionof the arrow in Figure 8, the contact member 122 will engage thearcuately-shaped contact 74 while one of the pins 126 will engage thecontact 87, thereby closing the circuit to the dim lights 14 and 14- ofthe headlights 11 and 12, respectively, and since the arcuatelyrshapedmember 74 is electrically connected to the arcuately-shaped member 22through the metal disc 113 which is in turn connected to the battery 21,the circuit will be closed between any of the various wires and theirrepective contacts when either one of the a'rcuatelyshaped members 22and 74 are engaged by the members 121 and 122. It will be noted that ametal strip 166 extends from the contact 22 while a metal strip 167extends from the contact 74. The clips at'the inner ends of the stripsare clamped in position for retaining the various contacts in position.

When the member 122 engages the contact 74 and the pins engage thecontacts 87 and 90, the

lamps 61 and 62-will be illuminated due to the fact that the wire 70connects the lamps with the contact 71 which in turn is connected bymetal strip 17 with the contact 90. At the same time the dim filamentsof the headlights are illuminated by means of'the wire 88 while the dimfilament of lamp 36 is illuminated since one lamp 36. When the contact71 is engaged by a pin 126v and the member 122 engages the member 74thelamps 61 and 62 are illuminated and the filament 39 ofhighestfintensity of the pilot lamp 36 is illuminated since the member121 engages the contact 22 while one of the pins 125 engages the contact81. When, however, the dial is further rotated and the member 121engages the contacts 22 and a pin 125 engages the contact 84 the parkinglights 16 are illuminated together with the tail lights 17 and 18.

It will be noted that the housing 23 has a depending hollow stem whichprojects down into the usual column of the steering wheel.

I claim:

1. In a lighting system for automobiles equipped with forwardlyprojecting headlights, a lamp housing positioned between and below saidheadlights, a pair of lamps in the housing, a reflector embracing saidlamps for directing the rays from the lamps rearwardly upon the groundand upon the wheels of the automobile and a lens between the lamps, theaxis of the lens being in line with equipped with forwardly projectingheadlights, a

lamp housing positioned between and below said headlights, a pair oflamps in the housing, a reflector embracing said lamps for directing therays from the lamps rearwardly upon the ground and upon the wheels ofthe automobile, a lens between the lamps, the axis of the lens being inline with the lamps, the housing having a rear window through which therays are projected, and a vertically fluted transparent covering for thewindow, said lens dispersing light rays fro both lamps on the reflector.

3. A lighting system for automobiles comprising a pair of forwardlyprojecting headlights, a lamp housing mounted between the forwardextremities of the underframe,. the housing being provided with aninverted and elongated window and a forward vertically disposed window,a pair of lamps in the inverted window and a lamp having varyingintensitiesin the forward window, reflectors mounted in each window tocause light rays to project widely across the base of the wheels, andforwardly on a horizontal plane with the underframe to display anilluminated path abreast of the headlights.

4. A lighting system for automobiles having headlights comprising a lamphousing connected with the forward extremities of the underframe,

the housing being provided with an inverted and elongated window and aforward vertically disposed window, a pair of lamps in the invertedwindow and a lamp having varying intensities in the forward window,reflectors mounted in each window to cause light rays to project widelyacross the base of the wheels and forwardly on a horizontal plane withthe underframe and means for adjustably mounting the housing on theunderframe so that the position of the windows may be varied around thelongitudinal axis or the said housing. a

51' In an automobile lighting system, an elongated lamp housingconnected with the forward members or the undertrame of thehautomobile,the housing having an enlarged central portion which tapers towards theends of the housing, said housing being divided into a front and rearcompartment, the outer face of the rear compartment being extended overthe greater portion oi. the length of said housing, the outer face ofthe front compartment being restricted to the portion of greatest widthof the housing,

the rear and end walls of the compartments forming reflectors, and lampsin the compartments so that light rays will be projected forwardly andrearwardly but below a horizontal plane passing through the underframe.

ERNEST GERMAIN.

